Al-Ittihad Requests Foreign Referees for Remaining Matches
Al-Ittihad has proposed funding foreign referees for all remaining Roshn Saudi League matches to ensure impartial officiating and match fairness.
In a bold move aimed at ensuring fairness and improving officiating standards, Al-Ittihad Football Club has formally proposed funding foreign referees for all their remaining matches in the Roshn Saudi League this season. The club’s management is prepared to cover all associated expenses, including costs for the main officiating team and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials.
According to reports from the Al-Riyadiah newspaper, the initiative is led by club chairman Loay Mashabi, with the backing of CEO Domingo Soares and sporting director Ramon Planes. This decision reflects Al-Ittihad’s commitment to maintaining high standards of refereeing, particularly in a season where every match holds significant implications for their title aspirations.
Under the regulations set by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, clubs requesting foreign referees must submit applications at least 14 days prior to the match. As a result, Al-Ittihad’s upcoming fixture against Al-Shabab will already feature international officials, as the request was filed in advance. The club is also planning for foreign referees to officiate their match against Al-Kholood in the 18th week of the league.
Currently sitting in second place in the league standings, Al-Ittihad trails Al-Hilal only on goal difference, with both clubs tied at 40 points after 15 matches. With the title race heating up, Al-Ittihad’s proactive approach aims to minimize potential controversies and ensure that match outcomes are determined by player performance rather than contentious officiating decisions.
The club’s reliance on foreign referees for high-profile games is not new. In previous seasons, Al-Ittihad employed international officials for select matches, citing their expertise and neutrality. However, the current proposal expands this strategy to cover all remaining games, both home and away. This unprecedented step underscores the club’s ambitions to maintain competitive integrity as they vie for the league title.
By prioritizing high-quality officiating, Al-Ittihad hopes to set a precedent for fairness and transparency in the league. This move highlights a broader trend among clubs worldwide to address concerns over refereeing standards and foster a competitive environment where the focus remains on players’ performances.
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